9 teams will compete for the Division 1 Men’s title in 2024, playing 18 games across 18 rounds with the aim of a championship title and promotion to the Big V Championship division in 2025. After a significant shakeup to the number of teams in divisions a few years ago, the Big V competitions have gradually been rebuilding the numbers in each division. With a solid 12 teams now in the Championship division, the return of a more consistent promotion and relegation system can be enacted.
Promoted from Division 1 to Championship after the 2023 season: Shepparton & Pakenham
Relegated from Division 1 to Division 2 after the 2023 season: Collingwood & Southern Peninsula
Promoted to Division 1 from Division 2: Altona & Whittlesea
Shepparton was a powerhouse in 2023 and walked away as the champions and ready for their first step in Championship for almost 20 years. Pakenham have been on a rapid build and with widespread association support, strong, consistent performances in 2023; they’ve demonstrated the ability to make the step into Championship and round out the 12 teams in that division.
Altona and Whittlesea were eyeing off Division 1 from a long way out! The two powered through the 2023 Division 2 season with just 4 losses between them. Whilst Altona’s win in the Final maybe viewed as an upset, both teams were and are well-stocked to make an immediate impact on Division 1 in 2024.
The boys from RMIT led by American Steve Coffey have made an impact on Big V competitions since joining the league. Playing an entertaining style, the Redbacks made their way to the Division 1 Final, losing to Shepparton in the final match. There’s no doubt RMIT are eyeing off the Division 1 title and who could argue after the performances they’ve put in!
But some challengers are gathering, more than we can recall at the Division 1 level. Bulleen made significant moves late in the 2023 season and started to turn the ship in the right direction. The Boomers have been busy in the off-season though. It is not a bad start bringing in a couple of multiple-time Big V State Championship winners with Ringwood, including the last 4 seasons in NBL1 South – Matt Snow and Matt Fennell! Andrew Noller has also been a part of the Waverley NBL1 South program and joins the Bulleen crew.
Can you imagine the matchup between Coffey and Snow? Mark that RMIT v Bulleen game in the diary – it will be a show!
Don’t let Gippsland slide though. They’ve proven themselves at the Division 1 level, have a load of experienced and local talent and have made their intentions clear. On the other side of the state is a consistent performer in Warrnambool. Consistently in the mix regardless of the hype on the opposition, with a 13-7 record and a playoff team in 2023, everyone knows they’re in for a tough night when the Seahawks come to town.
We let the Warrandyte secret out in the women, but it is even bigger news in the Division 1 Men! How about recruiting Tristan Forsyth the former NBL Development Player to your squad? He moves to Warrandyte from Waverley where he wasn’t just a bits and pieces player… how about averaging 13.4ppg and 7.6rpg in 2023! But it doesn’t stop there! Mitch Evans comes in from Dandenong NBL1, the experience of Shannon Kendall joins the Venom, as does former NBL1 player Jordan Adnam. We have to reference Mitch Hawley’s 200th game in Big V in Round 1 too!
Were you sleeping on Warrandyte? Think again!
Whittlesea’s 2023 team screamed out as one that could potentially transition to a higher level. They’re tall, long and athletic, playing a fast style that was aggressive in the back court defensively. Will that translate against more established backcourts in Division 1? Therein lies the challenge for the Pacers. The Pacer pack are excited and optimistic about the challenge ahead!
The champions though of Division 2 were Altona and they’re returning their core 7 for the next challenge, except for a change of American import. Depth may be the challenge going into the 2024 season, but they’ve demonstrated they’ve got the talent to play at this level.
2024 represents the most talent in Division 1 in recent memory. With 9 teams and 5 making the playoffs, you would usually be relatively confident, but not sure that is the case this year; the fight will be on from round 1! If you haven’t taken the chance to visit as a neutral supporter, Division 1 basketball, this represents the best opportunity to do so. There are big names in every matchup going head-to-head.
